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God forgives us because He loves us, and our emotional and spiritual healing depends on it. God desires our salvation, our divine health and made this possible through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Gospels, we hear of countless stories of forgiveness and redemption. No doubt, forgiveness was central to Jesus’ public mission. Jesus forgives and heals the paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8), forgives and encourages the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11), and calls those engaged in sinful behavior to conversion and invites them to be his followers. Jesus forgives because he loves us and desires to restore our emotional and spiritual health. He doesn’t want us to fall into the trap of despair and self-loathing. He wants us to approach and to be in a relationship with him, knowing, loving and serving him.

It is important to know and believe God knows and understands the fear, weakness, or pride that was behind any harmful decision or act. God knows how emotionally free we are at any given moment, knows our history and our hurts. Jesus reveals God’s mercy and calls us to experience his love and forgiveness. Sometimes, however, our fear and pride keep us from approaching him. Do not let this stop you from saying yes to his offer of healing. Our sorrow and remorse for our behavior should move us to approach God and his healing love. Don’t stay trapped in the pit of despair and regret. Instead, He waits for us to respond with humility and love. The worst thing we can do is hide or withdraw from God’s company. How painful would it be for a parent to be avoided for days, weeks, months or years due to a child’s remorse or fear of approaching? No doubt, the parent would reach out and reassure the child of her great love, moving beyond the hurt and loving the child through the process, desiring healing, reconciliation, and hope.

Although sin ruptures our relationship with God, His love is constant, calling us back to Him and his mercy: his perfect, unconditional, forgiving, understanding, compassionate love, whether we feel worthy of it or not. God wants us to approach, humbly confess our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be open to transformation, all with God’s grace. If you are struggling with this, think of the conversion story of St. Paul. He is introduced to us as a blasphemer and a man of violence. Despite his failings, God called him to repentance and to be the greatest missionary of all times, redeeming his past and making him a new creation, an even better version of himself. Or, think of the woman who anoints Jesus. In Luke’s account, Jesus says, “Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love,” (Luke 7:47). Jesus knew her heart and allowed her to approach and touch him. His act of forgiveness continued as he was dying on the cross, “’Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing,” (Luke 23:34). Jesus forgave those who called for his death. This reveals his great mercy and understanding of human weakness, showing forgiveness was part of his mission to reveal God’s great mercy.

According to Scripture, however, there is one sin that cannot be forgiven, that is, the sin against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31). Pope Saint John Paul II defined this sin as the refusal to repent and the refusal to forgive. It is, in other words, the hardening of hearts or the refusal to allow God’s love and grace to work in us to bring about healing and reconciliation. On our own, we may be too weak or too wounded to be open to forgiveness. We need God’s grace to be open to the process. We must admit weakness and pride and say, “On my own, I cannot forgive. I need your grace, your supernatural offer of power and strengthening to move my will to be open to forgiveness. My own spiritual health and the spiritual health of the offender depend on it.” Forgiveness does not always lead to reconciliation. You need two consenting parties for the process of reconciliation to begin. Do your part and pray for the healing and conversion of the other.

God makes an offer, but He needs our cooperation in order to forgive and to accept forgiveness. Accepting forgiveness is healing, keeping us from focusing on the past and it makes us more merciful. Do not cease to approach God’s great mercy!

Most everyone has read an editorial or an opinion piece attacking the federal government’s summer jobs program for excluding organizations that are pro-life — like the Roman Catholic Church. It has caused outrage in many quarters. We should be grateful that it is more than the usual orthodox suspects who see the injustice in this warped decision.

But what I believe most everyone is missing is that this is an enormous step towards an anti-religious tyranny. Religious believers have been marginalized on many fronts but this decision formalizes what has been piecemeal. The very government charged with protecting the rights of all Canadians is the culprit.

Essentially, in order to get grants to offset the cost of hiring students an organization must check a box on its application declaring its core mandate does not conflict with the government’s position on abortion. Students hired by parishes are usually involved in maintenance work such as painting buildings or grounds-keeping. Our charities hire students to work at summer camps or all types of other work that has nothing to do with abortion.

In the National Post, columnist Kelly McParland summarized the situation this way: “Justin Trudeau has a profound respect for Canada’s charter of rights, not surprisingly given his father’s role in introducing it. Too bad he doesn’t seem to understand it.”

In an interview in the National Post, Trudeau said he would look at ways to work with different groups to make the new rules fairer. In other words, he may recognize that banning the entire Catholic Church and other Christians and people from many other religions may be draconian. But his comments were vague. Like many infuriating politicians, he replied without answering the question.

At this point, whether he changes his mind or not is no longer the point. The damage has been done. This decision marks a complete break from the so-called pluralistic society the Liberals say they adore.

This government has declared that it despises pro-lifers and will not tolerate the religious principles that in many cases guide their lives.

In truth, the Liberal Party decision to ban pro-life candidates was odious enough — but once in power, they should feel they have a duty to protect all our sacred right to free expression.

I would imagine that before this decision on summer jobs was made some Liberal sage predicted that many of the nation’s churches, mosques and synagogues might take umbrage with such an exclusionary policy. Then in response, others might have said or thought, “The hell with them. Who needs those people and their archaic ideas? How can anyone think abortion is not good for society?”

What this means for Catholics and our brothers and sisters who answer to a higher law is that you are no longer full citizens of Canada. You have now been put into a second-class category. You will still be required to pay taxes and obey the laws of the land like a full citizen but your rights end there.

It has been a long time since our views were taken seriously but this summer jobs decision means we are no longer worthy of the same respect as other citizens.

“In terms of church groups that are concerned that this may invalidate them from funding, in fact, my perspective is that it won’t, as long as their core mandate agrees with those hard-won rights and freedoms that Canadians expect us to stand up for,” she said.

Frightening how things have changed: Canada had been considered a haven for those seeking religious freedom.

But somehow other groups seeking their own rights have elbowed us out and we have been found wanting because we dare to question the direction Canada is heading. Our opinions are seen as poison.

We are living in a world in which even the smallest groups waving the puniest of banners are now worthy of respect and rights. The transgender “community” and the new pronoun “community” have now become the vanguards of freedom. We, on the other hand, in our millions, are now the outliers.

This is no longer about any one issue. It’s about whether we have a real place in this society or whether we are just pests that our government tolerates.

Anyone who does not take this seriously is in denial.

Tyranny takes two: one to shout out orders and the other to meekly accept them. It is time to yell back.

(Lewis is a Toronto writer and regular contributor to The Catholic Register.)

On March 23, 2017, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, appeared before a Queen’s Park committee regarding Bill 84, Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act. To raise awareness on the critical issue of conscience protection, his address has been re-recorded for this video.

I’m pleased to share a reflection with you on the Universal Call to Holiness.

Do you believe you are called to holiness? Do you believe you are called to the same level of sanctity as a member of the clergy or a member of a religious order? Do you believe God can use all of your gifts and life experiences, redeem your past sorrows, and make you a new person in Christ? God can use someone like you. I hope this short video encourages you to say “Yes” to the call to holiness as you continue with your Lenten preparation.

We are blessed and honoured that Cardinal Collins will be the celebrant of our opening Mass the day of the conference. The Mass is going to be celebrated at St. Maximilian Kolbe church, which is right next door to the conference venue – the St. John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre.

Thank you for inviting your friends. An invitation can be the beginning of a remarkable journey for them!

KEYNOTE US SPEAKER

BETSY ANDREU | DOING THE RIGHT THING… AT GREAT PERSONAL COST

Betsy Andreu was embroiled in a public confrontation with a powerful and world-famous professional athlete. Her husband’s career was cut short because of his refusal to be a part of the deceit. For over a decade Betsy and her family suffered tremendously. She prayed ceaselessly, turning to St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and St. Therese of the Little Flower, praying that the truth would get out. Betsy is a stay-at-home mom, who has since become an internationally recognized voice in the global battle against doping. Betsy and her husband Frankie Andreu have been married for 20 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

DR . JOSEPHINE LOMBARDI | THE CALL TO HOLINESS

Dr. Lombardi will walk us through the journey toward holiness. God is waiting for us to say “yes” to His desire to heal us and restore us. Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan for her life gives us courage to say “yes” to God’s plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:1. She will tie in the 100th Anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, using the children as an example. Dr. Lombardi is the Associate Professor of Pastoral and Systematic Theology, Director of Lay Formation and Professor of Field Education at St. Augustine’s Seminary.

CHERYL THOMPSON | MARRIAGE AND SANITY? OR SANCTITY?

Given current statistics on divorce, many wonder if the sacrament of marriage still dispenses supernatural grace. Cheryl will show us how the example of Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, can help women live out their marriage vocation with supernatural grace. Cheryl is a Catholic wife and mother. She holds a Bachelor of Theology degree. Cheryl works for the federal government and is a part-time proofreader for The Word Among Us Catholic magazine. She is Lay Director of the Ottawa Cursillo Movement and serves with the Core of the Nazareth Family Apostolate.

TANYA GRANIC ALLEN | FINDING YOUR CATHOLIC VOICE

Catholic women today face a tsunami of deeply challenging issues. Whether at work, on social media, or at the kitchen table… we deal with issues our mothers and grandmothers never faced: gender confusion, same sex attraction, pornography, euthanasia, and many other challenges. With the pressure of work, parenting obligations, dealing with elderly parents, and running a home… how does a Catholic woman stay true to her faith? Tanya’s inspiring talk with help us find and strengthen our Catholic voice. Tanya is a Canadian writer, commentator and spokesperson. She is President of Parents as First Educators (PAFE).

In August 2015 I was invited to deliver three keynote presentations at the National Catholic Women’s League Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia. This event has been the highlight of my professional career, being surrounded by almost 1,000 women of faith whose personal witness to resilience and hope for the Church in Canada is an inspiration for all Catholic women. The theme for the convention was “One Heart One Voice One Mission.” The CWL executive chose an icon written by Dr. Matthia Langone, “The Recognition” to be used by the prayer companions of the Catholic Women’s League during the two-year term of Past President, Barbara Dowding.

“The Recognition” Matthia Langone, 2013.

I was blessed to see and “read” the original print as it was on display during the national convention. Having a great devotion to Mary, I was immediately drawn to the beauty of the icon and the great intimacy expressed in the embrace of Mary and Elizabeth, showing how their encounter was anointed by the Holy Spirit. This mutual “recognition” of the presence of the Spirit in the other and in their children reminds us of the great joy we experience when we encounter a person filled with the Holy Spirit. Their presence feeds us, consoles us and reassures us that we are known with a great intimacy. There is a familiar resemblance among those who are filled and led by the Spirit. I am blessed to have encountered so many Spirit filled women whom I call friends and sisters. Dr. Langone is among them.

Soon after admiring the original of “The Recognition” I noticed the author/painter, Dr. Matthia Langone, was present selling prints and gift cards. I rushed over to her display table and purchased a print of the Recognition. I told her how much I loved the icon and how my devotion to Mary and her intercessory prayers have sustained me throughout the years. Several months after the convention I emailed her to order more prints so that they could be given as gifts. Our email correspondence grew into a long distance friendship, writing short messages of encouragement and reassuring one another of prayer and mutual admiration. We have spoken on the phone once and within ten minutes I concluded I was speaking with a person who knows God very intimately, who understands the deep spiritual insight revealed in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, the Visitation. I was experiencing my own “encounter/visitation” with a woman who is filled with the Holy Spirit and knows the power of God’s love revealed in this holy encounter between two of God’s cherished daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Her insight into the exchange between them, how their words were anointed by the Holy Spirit, how Elizabeth knew Mary with great intimacy, how they encouraged one another, inspiring Mary’s Magnificat, touched me very deeply. Dr. Langone’s icon is a celebration of this encounter, of the power of God’s love and the power of Spirit-filled friendships. Thank you, Matthia for the strength of your witness and for the gift of this icon, a gift I carry with me to show others the fruits of Spirit filled encounters.

We had an amazing day with 191 women and 3 priests together for the same reason. Hope, Healing and Restoration. Our Goal at Women of the Word is to provide a bridge for all women in all walks of life where Our Lady can guide us and Our Lord can heal and restore us.

Dr. Josephine Lombardi knows this in the depth of her soul and God has blessed her with the extraordinary gift of being able to speak with beautiful simplicity and clarity; the language of love and healing.

One of the priests yesterday sent me a text “So many deep sublime confessions. A lot of it comes from the insightful talks of Dr. Lombardi. She’s so special” And Josie herself always points the finger away from herself and towards heaven, saying “it is God’s Grace”. It was an awe inspiring day with insightful genuine talks, confession, sharing, dancing, food, ending with a meditative Rosary, Consecration to Our Heavenly Mother and the Celebration of Holy Mass with Fr. Peter Choi.

As one woman said as she was leaving, “I’m so full, I’m going home to share what I’ve received”!

This Sunday’s all-new episode of Subject Matters features a wonderful book that brings together Catholic spirituality and contemporary biology and psychology. Theologian Josephine Lombardi takes us on a spiritual journey towards being our best selves in “Experts in Humanity: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing.” Ahead of Sunday’s premiere, check out “My Take” on Professor Lombardi’s book and tune in Sunday night!

“Your future depends on you knowing God and knowing yourself. This will bring you healing, and your own story of healing will inspire others to know God and to know themselves.”
Experts in Humanity, p.127

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Testimonials

“In my view and also of many others, the retreat was a tremendous success and could not have happened without you and our notable and inspirational Speaker, Dr. Josephine Lombardi. Ph.D., Theologian, Author and Presenter. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Lombardi for bringing home the narrative of “Becoming Another Mary” … Continue reading →